Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and mouthwatering meal to share with your family, these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are just the ticket! Imagine juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-smoky sauce, nestled alongside crispy turkey bacon and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a warm sub roll. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

What makes this dish even more special is how it transforms classic burger flavors into a fun and hearty handheld meal. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply craving some comfort food, these subs are sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs! These subs are great for kids and adults alike.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce, turkey bacon, and cheddar brings an amazing taste explosion.
• Easy Cleanup: Since everything comes together in one skillet and one baking sheet, cleanup is a breeze!
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful subs! You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce

For Assembling

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Bacon

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some tasty ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Cheese choice: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for that gooey goodness.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, when you’re ready to toast your sub rolls, the oven will be perfectly hot!

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing gently helps keep those meatballs tender—nobody wants dry meatballs!

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely in your sub rolls.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Browning them adds flavor and texture—this step is key!

Step 5: Simmer with BBQ Sauce

After browning all sides (about 5-7 minutes), return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour that delicious bourbon BBQ sauce over them and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This melds all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While the meatballs are simmering away, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown. Toasted rolls make every bite extra satisfying!

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll, spooning extra sauce over them as you go. Top with shredded cheddar cheese (because who doesn’t love cheese?) and crispy turkey bacon.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese

For an extra-melty experience, pop those assembled subs back into the oven for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping—trust me; you won’t want to skip this step! Get ready to dig into these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs that are sure to delight your taste buds!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only delicious but also quick to whip up! Here are some pro tips to ensure your meal is a hit.

• Prep Your Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will save you time during the cooking process, making it easier to stay on track and finish in under 30 minutes.

• Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, while a gentle hand keeps them tender and juicy.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees both safety and flavor!

• Experiment with Different Cheeses: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra gooeyness!

• Double the Sauce for Extra Flavor: If you love BBQ sauce as much as I do, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling on top or serving as a dip on the side!

How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Presenting your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs beautifully can enhance the dining experience! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Pickles: Add sliced pickles or pickle chips on the side for that tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet potato fries add a sweet contrast that balances out the savory meatballs.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the subs while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob coated with butter offers a classic summer side that pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint to these hearty subs.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your deliciously crafted Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep, making them a delicious option for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can prepare the meatballs in advance and enjoy them later without sacrificing flavor!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatball subs to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover subs in an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers.
• These will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator.
• To reheat, place meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with some extra BBQ sauce until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble your subs when you’re ready to serve.

What other toppings can I use for my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Feel free to get creative! Add pickles, jalapeños, or even avocado slices for an extra kick of flavor.

How do I keep my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toast your sub rolls just before assembling and avoid adding too much sauce directly into the rolls until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as I do! They’re not just quick and easy; they’re packed with flavor that brings comfort to any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these subs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations you try!